Elderly Woman Quit FGM Practice and Handover her Tools in Garissa County

An elderly woman from Garissa County on Wednesday 2^nd September quit Female Genital Mutilation practice by handing over her tools of trade to the Chief Administrative Secretary Hon. Rachel Shebesh during a dialogue meeting held at the Government Guest House in Garissa town.

While handing over the tools, Ms. Galina Gurre from Yumata location vowed to be an Anti FGM champion and committed to work closely with Government agencies in sensitizing other cutters to realize the harmful effects that are caused by the cut.

While receiving the tools, Hon. Shebesh thanked the elderly woman for leading the way and being a good example to others who are still practising. She appealed to women from Garissa County and other Counties that practice FGM to down their tools and adhere to the law.

The Chief Administrative Secretary committed KES. 100,000 from Uwezo Fund as start up capital to assist Ms. Gurre to explore an alternative means of earning a livelihood.

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Hon. Shebesh issued a stern warning to Chiefs and Assistant Chiefs who will fail to deliver on the Presidential directive to end FGM by 2022 telling them that their days are numbered and that the law would catch up with them.

“This is a Presidential directive and it must be implemented. If you find it difficult, then let’s find someone who will replace you,” she said.

Ijara Constituency MP Hon. Sofia Abdi called on cultural and religious leaders to work with the Government to ensure that the harmful vice is eradicated.

Garissa County Commissioner, Mr. Mwangi Meru assured the Chief Administrative Secretary that he will do everything within his capacity to ensure that no stone is left unturned in ensuring FGM becomes a thing of the past.

The Chief Administrative Secretary was accompanied by Anti-FGM Board Chairperson, Mrs. Agnes Pareiyo, UNFPA Representative, Mr. Ademola Olajide among other National and County Government Officials.

By Brian Kochwa